U.S. patent application number 17/242406 was filed with the patent office on 2021-08-12 for user-friendly wireless service activation procedure using remote esim provisioning.
This patent application is currently assigned to AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.. The applicant listed for this patent is AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.. Invention is credited to James Hamilton, Jason Sikes.
Application Number | 20210250758 17/242406 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005542671 |
Filed Date | 2021-08-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210250758 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sikes; Jason ; et
al. |
August 12, 2021 |
USER-FRIENDLY WIRELESS SERVICE ACTIVATION PROCEDURE USING REMOTE
eSIM PROVISIONING
Abstract
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example,
identifying an assigned friendly-phrase embedded universal
integrated circuit card identifier (fpEID) for a wireless
communication device and sending a service request message to a
service provider network to initiate a service activation
procedure, the service request message comprising the assigned
fpEID. Various embodiments can include sending an fpEID assignment
request message to a device vendor network, receiving an fpEID
assignment confirmation message from the device vendor network in
response to the fpEID assignment request message, and identifying
the assigned fpEID based on the fpEID assignment confirmation
message. Other embodiments are disclosed.
Inventors: |
Sikes; Jason; (Carnation,
WA) ; Hamilton; James; (Sammamish, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. |
Atlanta |
GA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
AT&T Intellectual Property I,
L.P.
Atlanta
GA
|
Family ID: |
1000005542671 |
Appl. No.: |
17/242406 |
Filed: |
April 28, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
16711032 |
Dec 11, 2019 |
11039305 |
|
|
17242406 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 12/72 20210101;
H04W 8/183 20130101; H04W 8/265 20130101; H04W 12/06 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04W 8/26 20060101
H04W008/26; H04W 8/18 20060101 H04W008/18; H04W 12/72 20060101
H04W012/72; H04W 12/06 20060101 H04W012/06 |
Claims
1. An apparatus, comprising: a processing system for an identity
management framework of a device vendor, the processing system
including a processor; and a memory that stores executable
instructions that, when executed by the processing system,
facilitate performance of operations, the operations comprising:
receiving, by the processing system, a friendly-phrase embedded
universal integrated circuit card identifier (fpEID) assignment
request message from a wireless communication device, wherein the
fpEID assignment request message comprises an embedded universal
integrated circuit card identifier (EID) of the wireless
communication device; sending to the wireless communication device,
by the processing system, an fpEID assignment confirmation message
including an assigned fpEID for the wireless communication device;
receiving, by the processing system, an EID retrieval request
message from a service activation framework of a service provider,
the EID retrieval request message comprising the assigned fpEID for
the wireless communication device; and providing to the service
activation framework of the service provider, by the processing
system, the EID of the wireless communication device.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the operations further
comprise: responsive to the receiving the EID retrieval request
message, sending by the processing system, a device authentication
query to the wireless communication device; and receiving, by the
processing system, device authentication information to enable the
identity management framework to authenticate the wireless
communication device.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fpEID assignment request
message includes a requested fpEID.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the assigned fpEID is equal to
the requested fpEID.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the EID retrieval request
further comprises an international mobile equipment identity (IMEI)
of the wireless communication device.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, the operations further comprising
storing the EID of the wireless communication device and the
assigned fpEID.
7. A non-transitory machine-readable medium, comprising executable
instructions that, when executed by a processing system for an
identity management framework of a device vendor, the processing
system including a processor, facilitate performance of operations,
the operations comprising: receiving a friendly-phrase embedded
universal integrated circuit card identifier (fpEID) assignment
request message from a wireless communication device, wherein the
fpEID assignment request message comprises an embedded universal
integrated circuit card identifier (EID) of the wireless
communication device; sending, to the wireless communication
device, an fpEID assignment confirmation message including an
assigned fpEID for the wireless communication device; receiving an
EID retrieval request message from a service activation framework
of a service provider, the EID retrieval request message comprising
the assigned fpEID for the wireless communication device; and
providing, to the service activation framework of the service
provider, the EID of the wireless communication device.
8. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 7, wherein
the operations further comprise: responsive to the receiving the
EID retrieval request message, sending a device authentication
query to the wireless communication device; and receiving device
authentication information to enable the identity management
framework to authenticate the wireless communication device.
9. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 8, wherein
the providing the EID of the wireless communication device to the
service activation framework of the service provider is responsive
to the device authentication information received from the wireless
communication device.
10. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 7, wherein
the fpEID assignment request message includes a requested
fpEID.
11. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 10, wherein
the assigned fpEID is equal to the requested fpEID.
12. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 7, wherein
the EID retrieval request further comprises an international mobile
equipment identity (IMEI) of the wireless communication device.
13. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 7, the
operations further comprising storing the EID of the wireless
communication device and the assigned fpEID.
14. A method, comprising: receiving, by a processing system for an
identity management framework of a device vendor, the processing
system comprising a processor, a friendly-phrase embedded universal
integrated circuit card identifier (fpEID) assignment request
message from a wireless communication device, wherein the fpEID
assignment request message comprises an embedded universal
integrated circuit card identifier (EID) of the wireless
communication device; sending to the wireless communication device,
by the processing system, an fpEID assignment confirmation message
including an assigned fpEID for the wireless communication device;
receiving, by the processing system, an EID retrieval request
message from a service activation framework of a service provider,
the EID retrieval request message comprising the assigned fpEID for
the wireless communication device; and providing to the service
activation framework of the service provider, by the processing
system, the EID of the wireless communication device.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: responsive to the
receiving the EID retrieval request message, sending by the
processing system, a device authentication query to the wireless
communication device; and receiving, by the processing system,
device authentication information to enable the identity management
framework to authenticate the wireless communication device.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the processing system provides
the EID of the wireless communication device to the service
activation framework responsive to the device authentication
information received from the wireless communication device.
17. The method of claim 14, wherein the fpEID assignment request
message includes a requested fpEID.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the assigned fpEID is equal to
the requested fpEID.
19. The method of claim 14, wherein the EID retrieval request
further comprises an international mobile equipment identity (IMEI)
of the wireless communication device.
20. The method of claim 14, the operations further comprising
storing the EID of the wireless communication device and the
assigned fpEID.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE FOR RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/711,032 filed Dec. 11, 2019. The content of
each of the foregoing are hereby incorporated by reference into
this application as if set forth herein in full.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The subject disclosure relates to a user-friendly wireless
service activation procedure using remote eSIM provisioning.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Traditionally, subscriber identity module (SIM) provisioning
for wireless communication devices, such as cellular phones, has
been a procedure that in most cases is completed prior to
distribution of devices to their end users. However, for various
reasons, it has become increasingly desirable over recent years to
enable SIM provisioning to be performed after end users have taken
possession of their devices. To this end, development has been
ongoing of standards and procedures for remote SIM provisioning
(RSP). Implementation of RSP allows wireless service providers to
provision devices with embedded SIMs (eSIMs), without any need for
physical access to those devices.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings,
which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
[0005] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary,
non-limiting embodiment of a communications network in accordance
with various aspects described herein.
[0006] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example,
non-limiting embodiment of an operating environment in accordance
with various aspects described herein.
[0007] FIG. 3 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a first method
in accordance with various aspects described herein.
[0008] FIG. 4 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a second method
in accordance with various aspects described herein.
[0009] FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a third method
in accordance with various aspects described herein.
[0010] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a virtualized communication network in
accordance with various aspects described herein.
[0011] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting
embodiment of a computing environment in accordance with various
aspects described herein.
[0012] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting
embodiment of a mobile network platform in accordance with various
aspects described herein.
[0013] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting
embodiment of a communication device in accordance with various
aspects described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] The subject disclosure describes, among other things,
illustrative embodiments for enabling remote provisioning of an
eSIM of a wireless communication device without requiring a user to
enter an embedded universal integrated circuit card identifier
(EID) of the wireless communication device. Some embodiments can
include assigning a friendly-phrase EID (fpEID) to the wireless
communication device. Various embodiments can include receiving, by
a device vendor network, an EID retrieval request message sent by a
service provider network, the EID retrieval request comprising the
fpEID assigned to the wireless communication device. Some
embodiments can include sending, by the device vendor network, an
EID retrieval response message to the service provider network, the
EID retrieval response message comprising an EID of the wireless
communication device. Various embodiments can include
authenticating the wireless communication device, by the device
vendor network, prior to sending the EID retrieval response message
to the service provider network. Other embodiments are described in
the subject disclosure.
[0015] One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include an
apparatus, comprising a processing system for a wireless
communication device, the processing system including a processor,
and a memory that stores executable instructions that, when
executed by the processing system, facilitate performance of
operations. The operations can comprise identifying an assigned
friendly-phrase embedded universal integrated circuit card
identifier (fpEID) for the wireless communication device and
sending a service request message to a service provider network to
initiate a service activation procedure, the service request
message comprising the assigned fpEID. Further operations can
comprise sending an fpEID assignment request message to a device
vendor network, receiving an fpEID assignment confirmation message
from the device vendor network in response to the fpEID assignment
request message, and identifying the assigned fpEID based on the
fpEID assignment confirmation message.
[0016] One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a
non-transitory machine-readable medium, comprising executable
instructions that, when executed by a processing system for a
wireless communication device, the processing system including a
processor, facilitate performance of operations. The operations can
comprise identifying an fpEID for the wireless communication device
and sending a service request message to a service provider network
to initiate a service activation procedure, the service request
message comprising the assigned fpEID. Further operations can
comprise sending an fpEID assignment request message to a device
vendor network, receiving an fpEID assignment confirmation message
from the device vendor network in response to the fpEID assignment
request message, and identifying the assigned fpEID based on the
fpEID assignment confirmation message.
[0017] One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a
method. The method can include identifying an fpEID for a wireless
communication device and sending a service request message to a
service provider network to initiate a service activation
procedure, the service request message comprising the assigned
fpEID. The method can further include sending an fpEID assignment
request message to a device vendor network, receiving an fpEID
assignment confirmation message from the device vendor network in
response to the fpEID assignment request message, and identifying
the assigned fpEID based on the fpEID assignment confirmation
message.
[0018] Referring now to FIG. 1, a block diagram is shown
illustrating an example, non-limiting embodiment of a
communications network 100 in accordance with various aspects
described herein. For example, communications network 100 can
facilitate in whole or in part sending an fpEID assignment request
message to a device vendor network, receiving an fpEID assignment
confirmation message from the device vendor network in response to
the fpEID assignment request message, identifying an assigned fpEID
based on the fpEID assignment confirmation message, and sending a
service request message to a service provider network to initiate a
service activation procedure, the service request message
comprising the assigned fpEID. In particular, a communications
network 125 is presented for providing broadband access 110 to a
plurality of data terminals 114 via access terminal 112, wireless
access 120 to a plurality of mobile devices 124 and vehicle 126 via
base station or access point 122, voice access 130 to a plurality
of telephony devices 134, via switching device 132 and/or media
access 140 to a plurality of audio/video display devices 144 via
media terminal 142. In addition, communication network 125 is
coupled to one or more content sources 175 of audio, video,
graphics, text and/or other media. While broadband access 110,
wireless access 120, voice access 130 and media access 140 are
shown separately, one or more of these forms of access can be
combined to provide multiple access services to a single client
device (e.g., mobile devices 124 can receive media content via
media terminal 142, data terminal 114 can be provided voice access
via switching device 132, and so on).
[0019] The communications network 125 includes a plurality of
network elements (NE) 150, 152, 154, 156, etc. for facilitating the
broadband access 110, wireless access 120, voice access 130, media
access 140 and/or the distribution of content from content sources
175. The communications network 125 can include a circuit switched
or packet switched network, a voice over Internet protocol (VoIP)
network, Internet protocol (IP) network, a cable network, a passive
or active optical network, a 4G, 5G, or higher generation wireless
access network, WIMAX network, UltraWideband network, personal area
network or other wireless access network, a broadcast satellite
network and/or other communications network.
[0020] In various embodiments, the access terminal 112 can include
a digital subscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM), cable modem
termination system (CMTS), optical line terminal (OLT) and/or other
access terminal. The data terminals 114 can include personal
computers, laptop computers, netbook computers, tablets or other
computing devices along with digital subscriber line (DSL) modems,
data over coax service interface specification (DOCSIS) modems or
other cable modems, a wireless modem such as a 4G, 5G, or higher
generation modem, an optical modem and/or other access devices.
[0021] In various embodiments, the base station or access point 122
can include a 4G, 5G, or higher generation base station, an access
point that operates via an 802.11 standard such as 802.11n,
802.11ac or other wireless access terminal. The mobile devices 124
can include mobile phones, e-readers, tablets, phablets, wireless
modems, and/or other mobile computing devices.
[0022] In various embodiments, the switching device 132 can include
a private branch exchange or central office switch, a media
services gateway, VoIP gateway or other gateway device and/or other
switching device. The telephony devices 134 can include traditional
telephones (with or without a terminal adapter), VoIP telephones
and/or other telephony devices.
[0023] In various embodiments, the media terminal 142 can include a
cable head-end or other TV head-end, a satellite receiver, gateway
or other media terminal 142. The display devices 144 can include
televisions with or without a set top box, personal computers
and/or other display devices.
[0024] In various embodiments, the content sources 175 include
broadcast television and radio sources, video on demand platforms
and streaming video and audio services platforms, one or more
content data networks, data servers, web servers and other content
servers, and/or other sources of media.
[0025] In various embodiments, the communications network 125 can
include wired, optical and/or wireless links and the network
elements 150, 152, 154, 156, etc. can include service switching
points, signal transfer points, service control points, network
gateways, media distribution hubs, servers, firewalls, routers,
edge devices, switches and other network nodes for routing and
controlling communications traffic over wired, optical and wireless
links as part of the Internet and other public networks as well as
one or more private networks, for managing subscriber access, for
billing and network management and for supporting other network
functions.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an
operating environment 200 in which the disclosed user-friendly
procedure for wireless service activation using remote embedded
subscriber identity module (eSIM) provisioning may be implemented
according to various embodiments. In operating environment 200, a
user 201 may wish to obtain wireless service for a wireless
communication device (WCD) 202 featuring an eSIM 203. User 201 may
select a wireless service provider, and a wireless service
activation procedure may be initiated in order to obtain wireless
service from the selected wireless service provider. Initiation of
the wireless service activation procedure may be accomplished by
opening/running, on wireless communication device 202, a service
activation application for the selected wireless service provider.
In conjunction with activating service for wireless communication
device 202, the wireless service provider may remotely provision
eSIM 203.
[0027] In order to remotely provision eSIM 203, the wireless
service provider may require knowledge of an embedded universal
integrated circuit card identifier (EID) 204 associated with eSIM
203. According to one approach, the service activation application
may be configured to prompt user 201 to enter EID 204 during the
service activation process. However, EID 204 may comprise a large
sequence of numerals, such as a 32-digit number, and it may be
difficult for user 201 to identify/find EID 204. Thus, requiring
user entry of EID 204 may be burdensome upon user 201, and also
prone to error.
[0028] According to the novel techniques disclosed herein, a
user-friendly wireless service activation procedure may be
implemented that absolves user 201 of the burden of manual EID
entry. During service activation, rather than being required to
type in EID 204, user 201 may merely need to provide a
friendly-phrase EID (fpEID) 205. fpEID 205 may generally represent
a phrase or text string that is shorter and/or easier to enter than
EID 204.
[0029] In various embodiments, user 201 may request assignment of
an fpEID for use in conjunction with service activation by
providing user input 206. In some embodiments, user 201 may open a
device vendor application on wireless communication device 202, and
may provide user input 206 to the device vendor application in
order to request fpEID assignment. In various embodiments, the
device vendor application may be native to wireless communication
device 202. In some other embodiments, the device vendor
application may be downloaded onto wireless communication device
202 from an external source. In various embodiments, the device
vendor application may represent particular functionality within
the native device settings of wireless communication device 202. In
some other embodiments, the device vendor application may represent
a dedicated application that is separate from the native device
settings of wireless communication device 202.
[0030] In various embodiments, based on received user input 206,
wireless communication device 202 may detect the request for fpEID
assignment. In response, in some embodiments, wireless
communication device 202 may send an fpEID assignment request
message 208 to an identity management framework 235 of a device
vendor network 230. Device vendor network 230 may generally
comprise a network of a device vendor associated with wireless
communication device 202. Identity management framework 235 may
generally comprise hardware and/or software that is operative to
manage and track the assignment of fpEIDs to devices
manufactured/sold by the device vendor, as well as the EIDs of
those devices, and to handle requests for assignment of fpEIDs and
retrieval of associated EIDs. In various embodiments, fpEID
assignment request message 208 may comprise the EID 204 of wireless
communication device 202.
[0031] In some embodiments, responsive to receipt of fpEID
assignment request message 208, identity management framework 235
may assign fpEID 205 to wireless communication device 202. In
various embodiments, the EID 204 of wireless communication device
202 and the assigned fpEID 205 of wireless communication device 202
may be stored by identity management framework 235. In some
embodiments, an fpEID assignment confirmation message 210 may be
sent from identity management framework 235 to wireless
communication device 202 in order to notify wireless communication
device 202 of the assignment of fpEID 205 to wireless communication
device 202. In various embodiments, fpEID assignment confirmation
message 210 may comprise the fpEID 205 that has been assigned to
wireless communication device 202. In some embodiments, responsive
to receipt of fpEID assignment confirmation message 210, fpEID 205
may be presented at wireless communication device 202 to inform
user 201 of the assigned fpEID.
[0032] In various embodiments, the fpEID 205 that is assigned to
wireless communication device 202 may be selected by identity
management framework 235. In some other embodiments, wireless
communication device 202 may present a user interface via which
user 201 can specify a particular requested fpEID. In various
embodiments, fpEID assignment request message 208 may include an
indication of the requested fpEID that user 201 has specified, and
identity management framework 235 may assign that requested fpEID
to wireless communication device 202. The embodiments are not
limited in this context.
[0033] In some embodiments, once it has been assigned fpEID 205,
wireless communication device 202 may initiate a wireless service
activation procedure in order to obtain service from a wireless
service provider. In various embodiments, user 201 may use a
service activation application associated with the wireless service
provider to initiate the wireless service activation procedure. In
some such embodiments, the service activation application may be a
pre-installed application that is native to wireless communication
device 202. In other embodiments, the service activation
application associated with the wireless service provider may be
downloaded onto wireless communication device 202 from an external
source. The embodiments are not limited in this context.
[0034] In various embodiments, in order to initiate the wireless
service activation procedure, wireless communication device 202 may
send a service request message 212 to a service activation
framework 245 of a service provider network 240. Service provider
network 240 may generally comprise a network of the wireless
service provider from which wireless service is to be obtained.
Service activation framework 245 may generally comprise hardware
and/or software that is operative to receive and fulfill requests
for service activation received from wireless communication devices
located within the wireless service area(s) of the wireless service
provider. In some embodiments, service request message 212 may
comprise the fpEID 205 that has previously been assigned to
wireless communication device 202. In various embodiments, service
request message 212 may additionally comprise device information
214. Device information 214 may generally comprise information
that, alone or in combination with fpEID 205, uniquely identifies
wireless communication device 202 to identity management framework
235. For example, according to some embodiments, device information
214 may comprise an international mobile equipment identity (IMEI)
of wireless communication device 202. In various other embodiments,
device information 214 may not be included in service request
message 212. The embodiments are not limited in this context.
[0035] In some embodiments, in response to receipt of service
request message 212, service activation framework 245 may send an
EID retrieval request message 216 to identity management framework
235 in order to obtain the EID 204 for the eSIM 203 of wireless
communication device 202. In various embodiments, EID retrieval
request message 216 may comprise the fpEID 205 assigned to wireless
communication device 202. In some embodiments, service request
message 212 may include device information 214, and service
activation framework 245 may include that device information 214 in
EID retrieval request message 216. The embodiments are not limited
in this context.
[0036] In various embodiments, based on the fpEID 205--and
according to some implementations, device information
214--comprised in EID retrieval request message 216, identity
management framework 235 may identify EID 204 as the EID to be
provided to service activation framework 245 in response to EID
retrieval request message 216. In some embodiments, identity
management framework 235 may initiate an authentication procedure
in order to confirm that the device attempting to activate service
using EID 204 is authorized to do so. In various embodiments, the
authentication procedure may implement multi-factor
authentication.
[0037] In some embodiments, in conjunction with the authentication
procedure, identity management framework 235 may send a device
authentication query 218 to wireless communication device 202. In
various embodiments, responsive to receipt of device authentication
query 218, wireless communication device 202 may send
authentication information 220 to identity management framework
235. In some embodiments, identity management framework 235 may
then attempt to authenticate wireless communication device 202
based on authentication information 220. In various embodiments,
upon a successful authentication of wireless communication device
202, identity management framework 235 may provide EID 204 to
service activation framework 245. In some embodiments, identity
management framework 235 may provide EID 204 by including it in an
EID retrieval response message 222 that identity management
framework 235 sends to service activation framework 245 in response
to EID retrieval request message 216. The embodiments are not
limited in this context.
[0038] FIG. 3 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method 300 in
accordance with various aspects described herein. While for
purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respective processes are
shown and described as a series of blocks in FIG. 3, it is to be
understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter is not
limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks may occur in
different orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from what is
depicted and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks
may be required to implement the methods described herein.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 3, a user request for fpEID assignment may
be detected at 302 based on received user input. For example, based
on received user input 206 in operating environment 200 of FIG. 2,
wireless communication device 202 may detect a request on the part
of user 201 for an fpEID assignment. At 304, an fpEID assignment
request message comprising an EID of a wireless communication
device may be sent to a device vendor network. For example, in
operating environment 200 of FIG. 2, wireless communication device
202 may send fpEID assignment request message 208 comprising EID
204 to identity management framework 235. At 306, an fpEID
assignment confirmation message may be received that indicates an
assigned fpEID for the wireless communication device. For example,
in operating environment 200 of FIG. 2, wireless communication
device 202 may receive fpEID assignment confirmation message 210,
which may indicate that fpEID 205 is an assigned fpEID for wireless
communication device 202.
[0040] At 308, the assigned fpEID may be presented at the wireless
communication device. For example, in operating environment 200 of
FIG. 2, wireless communication device 202 may present fpEID 205 on
a display of wireless communication device 202. At 310, a service
request message comprising the assigned fpEID may be sent to a
service provider network to initiate a service activation
procedure. For example, in operating environment 200 of FIG. 2,
wireless communication device 202 may send service request message
212 comprising fpEID 205 to service activation framework 245 in
order to initiate a service activation procedure.
[0041] At 312, a device authentication query may be received from
the device vendor network during the service activation procedure.
For example, in operating environment 200 of FIG. 2, wireless
communication device 202 may receive device authentication query
218 from identity management framework 235 during a service
activation procedure initiated at 310. At 314, device
authentication information may be sent to the device vendor network
in response to the received device authentication query. For
example, in response to receipt of device authentication query 218
in operating environment 200 of FIG. 2, wireless communication
device 202 may send authentication information 220 to identity
management framework 235. The embodiments are not limited to these
examples.
[0042] FIG. 4 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method 400 in
accordance with various aspects described herein. While for
purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respective processes are
shown and described as a series of blocks in FIG. 4, it is to be
understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter is not
limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks may occur in
different orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from what is
depicted and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks
may be required to implement the methods described herein.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 4, an fpEID assignment request message may
be received at 402 that comprises an EID of a wireless
communication device. For example, in operating environment 200 of
FIG. 2, identity management framework 235 may receive fpEID
assignment request message 208 comprising EID 204 from wireless
communication device 202. At 404, an fpEID may be assigned to the
wireless communication device. For example, in operating
environment 200 of FIG. 2, identity management framework 235 may
assign fpEID 205 to wireless communication device 202. At 406, the
EID of the wireless communication device and the fpEID assigned to
the wireless communication device 202 may be stored. For example,
in operating environment 200 of FIG. 2, identity management
framework 235 may store EID 204 and fpEID 205.
[0044] At 408, an fpEID assignment confirmation message may be sent
that indicates the assigned fpEID. For example, in operating
environment 200 of FIG. 2, identity management framework 235 may
send fpEID assignment confirmation message 210, which may indicate
fpEID 205. At 410, an EID retrieval request message comprising the
assigned fpEID may be received from a service provider network. For
example, in operating environment 200 of FIG. 2, identity
management framework 235 may receive EID retrieval request message
216 from service activation framework 245, and EID retrieval
request message 216 may comprise fpEID 205.
[0045] At 412, a device authentication query may be sent to the
wireless communication device. For example, in operating
environment 200 of FIG. 2, identity management framework 235 may
send device authentication query 218 to wireless communication
device 202. At 414, authentication information may be received from
the wireless communication device in response to the device
authentication query. For example, in operating environment 200 of
FIG. 2, identity management framework 235 may receive
authentication information 220 from wireless communication device
202 in response to device authentication query 218.
[0046] At 416, the wireless communication device may be
authenticated based on the received authentication information. For
example, in operating environment 200 of FIG. 2, identity
management framework 235 may authenticate wireless communication
device 202 based on authentication information 220. At 418, an EID
retrieval response message comprising the EID of the wireless
communication device may be sent to the service provider network.
For example, in operating environment 200 of FIG. 2, identity
management framework 235 may send EID retrieval response message
222 to service activation framework 245, and EID retrieval response
message 222 may comprise EID 204. The embodiments are not limited
to these examples.
[0047] FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method 500 in
accordance with various aspects described herein. While for
purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respective processes are
shown and described as a series of blocks in FIG. 5, it is to be
understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter is not
limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks may occur in
different orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from what is
depicted and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks
may be required to implement the methods described herein.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 5, a service request message may be
received at 502 that comprises an assigned fpEID for a wireless
communication device. For example, in operating environment 200 of
FIG. 2, service activation framework 245 may receive service
request message 212 from wireless communication device 202, and
service request message 212 may comprise fpEID 205.
[0049] At 504, an EID retrieval request message comprising the
assigned fpEID may be sent to a device vendor network. For example,
in operating environment 200 of FIG. 2, service activation
framework 245 may send EID retrieval request message 216 to
identity management framework 235, and EID retrieval request
message 216 may comprise fpEID 205.
[0050] At 506, an EID retrieval response message comprising an EID
of the wireless communication device may be received from the
device vendor network. For example, in operating environment 200 of
FIG. 2, service activation framework 245 may receive EID retrieval
response message 222 from identity management framework 235, and
EID retrieval response message 222 may comprise EID 204.
[0051] At 508, an eSIM of the wireless communication device may be
remotely provisioned based on the EID. For example, based on the
EID 204 comprised in the EID retrieval response message 222
received from identity management framework 235 in operating
environment 200 of FIG. 2, service activation framework 245 may
provision eSIM 203. The embodiments are not limited to these
examples.
[0052] Referring now to FIG. 6, a block diagram 600 is shown
illustrating an example, non-limiting embodiment of a virtualized
communication network in accordance with various aspects described
herein. In particular a virtualized communication network is
presented that can be used to implement some or all of the
subsystems and functions of communication network 100, the
subsystems and functions of operating environment 200, and methods
300, 400, and 500 presented in FIGS. 1-5. For example, virtualized
communication network 600 can facilitate in whole or in part
sending an fpEID assignment request message to a device vendor
network, receiving an fpEID assignment confirmation message from
the device vendor network in response to the fpEID assignment
request message, identifying an assigned fpEID based on the fpEID
assignment confirmation message, and sending a service request
message to a service provider network to initiate a service
activation procedure, the service request message comprising the
assigned fpEID.
[0053] In particular, a cloud networking architecture is shown that
leverages cloud technologies and supports rapid innovation and
scalability via a transport layer 650, a virtualized network
function cloud 625 and/or one or more cloud computing environments
675. In various embodiments, this cloud networking architecture is
an open architecture that leverages application programming
interfaces (APIs); reduces complexity from services and operations;
supports more nimble business models; and rapidly and seamlessly
scales to meet evolving customer requirements including traffic
growth, diversity of traffic types, and diversity of performance
and reliability expectations.
[0054] In contrast to traditional network elements--which are
typically integrated to perform a single function, the virtualized
communication network employs virtual network elements (VNEs) 630,
632, 634, etc. that perform some or all of the functions of network
elements 150, 152, 154, 156, etc. For example, the network
architecture can provide a substrate of networking capability,
often called Network Function Virtualization Infrastructure (NFVI)
or simply infrastructure that is capable of being directed with
software and Software Defined Networking (SDN) protocols to perform
a broad variety of network functions and services. This
infrastructure can include several types of substrates. The most
typical type of substrate being servers that support Network
Function Virtualization (NFV), followed by packet forwarding
capabilities based on generic computing resources, with specialized
network technologies brought to bear when general purpose
processors or general purpose integrated circuit devices offered by
merchants (referred to herein as merchant silicon) are not
appropriate. In this case, communication services can be
implemented as cloud-centric workloads.
[0055] As an example, a traditional network element 150 (shown in
FIG. 1), such as an edge router can be implemented via a VNE 630
composed of NFV software modules, merchant silicon, and associated
controllers. The software can be written so that increasing
workload consumes incremental resources from a common resource
pool, and moreover so that it's elastic: so the resources are only
consumed when needed. In a similar fashion, other network elements
such as other routers, switches, edge caches, and middle-boxes are
instantiated from the common resource pool. Such sharing of
infrastructure across a broad set of uses makes planning and
growing infrastructure easier to manage.
[0056] In an embodiment, the transport layer 650 includes fiber,
cable, wired and/or wireless transport elements, network elements
and interfaces to provide broadband access 110, wireless access
120, voice access 130, media access 140 and/or access to content
sources 175 for distribution of content to any or all of the access
technologies. In particular, in some cases a network element needs
to be positioned at a specific place, and this allows for less
sharing of common infrastructure. Other times, the network elements
have specific physical layer adapters that cannot be abstracted or
virtualized, and might require special DSP code and analog
front-ends (AFEs) that do not lend themselves to implementation as
VNEs 630, 632 or 634. These network elements can be included in
transport layer 650.
[0057] The virtualized network function cloud 625 interfaces with
the transport layer 650 to provide the VNEs 630, 632, 634, etc. to
provide specific NFVs. In particular, the virtualized network
function cloud 625 leverages cloud operations, applications, and
architectures to support networking workloads. The virtualized
network elements 630, 632 and 634 can employ network function
software that provides either a one-for-one mapping of traditional
network element function or alternately some combination of network
functions designed for cloud computing. For example, VNEs 630, 632
and 634 can include route reflectors, domain name system (DNS)
servers, and dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) servers,
system architecture evolution (SAE) and/or mobility management
entity (MME) gateways, broadband network gateways, IP edge routers
for IP-VPN, Ethernet and other services, load balancers,
distributers and other network elements. Because these elements
don't typically need to forward large amounts of traffic, their
workload can be distributed across a number of servers--each of
which adds a portion of the capability, and overall which creates
an elastic function with higher availability than its former
monolithic version. These virtual network elements 630, 632, 634,
etc. can be instantiated and managed using an orchestration
approach similar to those used in cloud compute services.
[0058] The cloud computing environments 675 can interface with the
virtualized network function cloud 625 via APIs that expose
functional capabilities of the VNEs 630, 632, 634, etc. to provide
the flexible and expanded capabilities to the virtualized network
function cloud 625. In particular, network workloads may have
applications distributed across the virtualized network function
cloud 625 and cloud computing environment 675 and in the commercial
cloud, or might simply orchestrate workloads supported entirely in
NFV infrastructure from these third party locations.
[0059] Turning now to FIG. 7, there is illustrated a block diagram
of a computing environment in accordance with various aspects
described herein. In order to provide additional context for
various embodiments of the embodiments described herein, FIG. 7 and
the following discussion are intended to provide a brief, general
description of a suitable computing environment 700 in which the
various embodiments of the subject disclosure can be implemented.
In particular, computing environment 700 can be used in the
implementation of network elements 150, 152, 154, 156, access
terminal 112, base station or access point 122, switching device
132, media terminal 142, and/or VNEs 630, 632, 634, etc. Each of
these devices can be implemented via computer-executable
instructions that can run on one or more computers, and/or in
combination with other program modules and/or as a combination of
hardware and software. For example, computing environment 700 can
facilitate in whole or in part sending an fpEID assignment request
message to a device vendor network, receiving an fpEID assignment
confirmation message from the device vendor network in response to
the fpEID assignment request message, identifying an assigned fpEID
based on the fpEID assignment confirmation message, and sending a
service request message to a service provider network to initiate a
service activation procedure, the service request message
comprising the assigned fpEID.
[0060] Generally, program modules comprise routines, programs,
components, data structures, etc., that perform particular tasks or
implement particular abstract data types. Moreover, those skilled
in the art will appreciate that the methods can be practiced with
other computer system configurations, comprising single-processor
or multiprocessor computer systems, minicomputers, mainframe
computers, as well as personal computers, hand-held computing
devices, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics,
and the like, each of which can be operatively coupled to one or
more associated devices.
[0061] As used herein, a processing circuit includes one or more
processors as well as other application specific circuits such as
an application specific integrated circuit, digital logic circuit,
state machine, programmable gate array or other circuit that
processes input signals or data and that produces output signals or
data in response thereto. It should be noted that while any
functions and features described herein in association with the
operation of a processor could likewise be performed by a
processing circuit.
[0062] The illustrated embodiments of the embodiments herein can be
also practiced in distributed computing environments where certain
tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked
through a communications network. In a distributed computing
environment, program modules can be located in both local and
remote memory storage devices.
[0063] Computing devices typically comprise a variety of media,
which can comprise computer-readable storage media and/or
communications media, which two terms are used herein differently
from one another as follows. Computer-readable storage media can be
any available storage media that can be accessed by the computer
and comprises both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and
non-removable media. By way of example, and not limitation,
computer-readable storage media can be implemented in connection
with any method or technology for storage of information such as
computer-readable instructions, program modules, structured data or
unstructured data.
[0064] Computer-readable storage media can comprise, but are not
limited to, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM),
electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash
memory or other memory technology, compact disk read only memory
(CD-ROM), digital versatile disk (DVD) or other optical disk
storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage
or other magnetic storage devices or other tangible and/or
non-transitory media which can be used to store desired
information. In this regard, the terms "tangible" or
"non-transitory" herein as applied to storage, memory or
computer-readable media, are to be understood to exclude only
propagating transitory signals per se as modifiers and do not
relinquish rights to all standard storage, memory or
computer-readable media that are not only propagating transitory
signals per se.
[0065] Computer-readable storage media can be accessed by one or
more local or remote computing devices, e.g., via access requests,
queries or other data retrieval protocols, for a variety of
operations with respect to the information stored by the
medium.
[0066] Communications media typically embody computer-readable
instructions, data structures, program modules or other structured
or unstructured data in a data signal such as a modulated data
signal, e.g., a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and
comprises any information delivery or transport media. The term
"modulated data signal" or signals refers to a signal that has one
or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as
to encode information in one or more signals. By way of example,
and not limitation, communication media comprise wired media, such
as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media
such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media.
[0067] With reference again to FIG. 7, the example environment can
comprise a computer 702, the computer 702 comprising a processing
unit 704, a system memory 706 and a system bus 708. The system bus
708 couples system components including, but not limited to, the
system memory 706 to the processing unit 704. The processing unit
704 can be any of various commercially available processors. Dual
microprocessors and other multiprocessor architectures can also be
employed as the processing unit 704.
[0068] The system bus 708 can be any of several types of bus
structure that can further interconnect to a memory bus (with or
without a memory controller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus
using any of a variety of commercially available bus architectures.
The system memory 706 comprises ROM 710 and RAM 712. A basic
input/output system (BIOS) can be stored in a non-volatile memory
such as ROM, erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM),
EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basic routines that help to
transfer information between elements within the computer 702, such
as during startup. The RAM 712 can also comprise a high-speed RAM
such as static RAM for caching data.
[0069] The computer 702 further comprises an internal hard disk
drive (HDD) 714 (e.g., EIDE, SATA), which internal HDD 714 can also
be configured for external use in a suitable chassis (not shown), a
magnetic floppy disk drive (FDD) 716, (e.g., to read from or write
to a removable diskette 718) and an optical disk drive 720, (e.g.,
reading a CD-ROM disk 722 or, to read from or write to other high
capacity optical media such as the DVD). The HDD 714, magnetic FDD
716 and optical disk drive 720 can be connected to the system bus
708 by a hard disk drive interface 724, a magnetic disk drive
interface 726 and an optical drive interface 728, respectively. The
hard disk drive interface 724 for external drive implementations
comprises at least one or both of Universal Serial Bus (USB) and
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394
interface technologies. Other external drive connection
technologies are within contemplation of the embodiments described
herein.
[0070] The drives and their associated computer-readable storage
media provide nonvolatile storage of data, data structures,
computer-executable instructions, and so forth. For the computer
702, the drives and storage media accommodate the storage of any
data in a suitable digital format. Although the description of
computer-readable storage media above refers to a hard disk drive
(HDD), a removable magnetic diskette, and a removable optical media
such as a CD or DVD, it should be appreciated by those skilled in
the art that other types of storage media which are readable by a
computer, such as zip drives, magnetic cassettes, flash memory
cards, cartridges, and the like, can also be used in the example
operating environment, and further, that any such storage media can
contain computer-executable instructions for performing the methods
described herein.
[0071] A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and
RAM 712, comprising an operating system 730, one or more
application programs 732, other program modules 734 and program
data 736. All or portions of the operating system, applications,
modules, and/or data can also be cached in the RAM 712. The systems
and methods described herein can be implemented utilizing various
commercially available operating systems or combinations of
operating systems.
[0072] A user can enter commands and information into the computer
702 through one or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a
keyboard 738 and a pointing device, such as a mouse 740. Other
input devices (not shown) can comprise a microphone, an infrared
(IR) remote control, a joystick, a game pad, a stylus pen, touch
screen or the like. These and other input devices are often
connected to the processing unit 704 through an input device
interface 742 that can be coupled to the system bus 708, but can be
connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, an IEEE
1394 serial port, a game port, a universal serial bus (USB) port,
an IR interface, etc.
[0073] A monitor 744 or other type of display device can be also
connected to the system bus 708 via an interface, such as a video
adapter 746. It will also be appreciated that in alternative
embodiments, a monitor 744 can also be any display device (e.g.,
another computer having a display, a smart phone, a tablet
computer, etc.) for receiving display information associated with
computer 702 via any communication means, including via the
Internet and cloud-based networks. In addition to the monitor 744,
a computer typically comprises other peripheral output devices (not
shown), such as speakers, printers, etc.
[0074] The computer 702 can operate in a networked environment
using logical connections via wired and/or wireless communications
to one or more remote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 748.
The remote computer(s) 748 can be a workstation, a server computer,
a router, a personal computer, portable computer,
microprocessor-based entertainment appliance, a peer device or
other common network node, and typically comprises many or all of
the elements described relative to the computer 702, although, for
purposes of brevity, only a remote memory/storage device 750 is
illustrated. The logical connections depicted comprise
wired/wireless connectivity to a local area network (LAN) 752
and/or larger networks, e.g., a wide area network (WAN) 754. Such
LAN and WAN networking environments are commonplace in offices and
companies, and facilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such
as intranets, all of which can connect to a global communications
network, e.g., the Internet.
[0075] When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 702
can be connected to the LAN 752 through a wired and/or wireless
communication network interface or adapter 756. The adapter 756 can
facilitate wired or wireless communication to the LAN 752, which
can also comprise a wireless AP disposed thereon for communicating
with the adapter 756.
[0076] When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 702
can comprise a modem 758 or can be connected to a communications
server on the WAN 754 or has other means for establishing
communications over the WAN 754, such as by way of the Internet.
The modem 758, which can be internal or external and a wired or
wireless device, can be connected to the system bus 708 via the
input device interface 742. In a networked environment, program
modules depicted relative to the computer 702 or portions thereof,
can be stored in the remote memory/storage device 750. It will be
appreciated that the network connections shown are example and
other means of establishing a communications link between the
computers can be used.
[0077] The computer 702 can be operable to communicate with any
wireless devices or entities operatively disposed in wireless
communication, e.g., a printer, scanner, desktop and/or portable
computer, portable data assistant, communications satellite, any
piece of equipment or location associated with a wirelessly
detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk, news stand, restroom), and
telephone. This can comprise Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) and
BLUETOOTH.RTM. wireless technologies. Thus, the communication can
be a predefined structure as with a conventional network or simply
an ad hoc communication between at least two devices.
[0078] Wi-Fi can allow connection to the Internet from a couch at
home, a bed in a hotel room or a conference room at work, without
wires. Wi-Fi is a wireless technology similar to that used in a
cell phone that enables such devices, e.g., computers, to send and
receive data indoors and out; anywhere within the range of a base
station. Wi-Fi networks use radio technologies called IEEE 802.11
(a, b, g, n, ac, ag, etc.) to provide secure, reliable, fast
wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi network can be used to connect
computers to each other, to the Internet, and to wired networks
(which can use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networks operate in
the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands for example or with
products that contain both bands (dual band), so the networks can
provide real-world performance similar to the basic 10BaseT wired
Ethernet networks used in many offices.
[0079] Turning now to FIG. 8, an embodiment 800 of a mobile network
platform 810 is shown that is an example of network elements 150,
152, 154, 156, and/or VNEs 630, 632, 634, etc. For example,
platform 810 can facilitate in whole or in part sending an fpEID
assignment request message to a device vendor network, receiving an
fpEID assignment confirmation message from the device vendor
network in response to the fpEID assignment request message,
identifying an assigned fpEID based on the fpEID assignment
confirmation message, and sending a service request message to a
service provider network to initiate a service activation
procedure, the service request message comprising the assigned
fpEID. In one or more embodiments, the mobile network platform 810
can generate and receive signals transmitted and received by base
stations or access points such as base station or access point 122.
Generally, mobile network platform 810 can comprise components,
e.g., nodes, gateways, interfaces, servers, or disparate platforms,
that facilitate both packet-switched (PS) (e.g., internet protocol
(IP), frame relay, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM)) and
circuit-switched (CS) traffic (e.g., voice and data), as well as
control generation for networked wireless telecommunication. As a
non-limiting example, mobile network platform 810 can be included
in telecommunications carrier networks, and can be considered
carrier-side components as discussed elsewhere herein. Mobile
network platform 810 comprises CS gateway node(s) 812 which can
interface CS traffic received from legacy networks like telephony
network(s) 840 (e.g., public switched telephone network (PSTN), or
public land mobile network (PLMN)) or a signaling system #7 (SS7)
network 860. CS gateway node(s) 812 can authorize and authenticate
traffic (e.g., voice) arising from such networks. Additionally, CS
gateway node(s) 812 can access mobility, or roaming, data generated
through SS7 network 860; for instance, mobility data stored in a
visited location register (VLR), which can reside in memory 830.
Moreover, CS gateway node(s) 812 interfaces CS-based traffic and
signaling and PS gateway node(s) 818. As an example, in a 3GPP UMTS
network, CS gateway node(s) 812 can be realized at least in part in
gateway GPRS support node(s) (GGSN). It should be appreciated that
functionality and specific operation of CS gateway node(s) 812, PS
gateway node(s) 818, and serving node(s) 816, is provided and
dictated by radio technology(ies) utilized by mobile network
platform 810 for telecommunication over a radio access network 820
with other devices, such as a radiotelephone 875.
[0080] In addition to receiving and processing CS-switched traffic
and signaling, PS gateway node(s) 818 can authorize and
authenticate PS-based data sessions with served mobile devices.
Data sessions can comprise traffic, or content(s), exchanged with
networks external to the mobile network platform 810, like wide
area network(s) (WANs) 850, enterprise network(s) 870, and service
network(s) 880, which can be embodied in local area network(s)
(LANs), can also be interfaced with mobile network platform 810
through PS gateway node(s) 818. It is to be noted that WANs 850 and
enterprise network(s) 870 can embody, at least in part, a service
network(s) like IP multimedia subsystem (IMS). Based on radio
technology layer(s) available in technology resource(s) or radio
access network 820, PS gateway node(s) 818 can generate packet data
protocol contexts when a data session is established; other data
structures that facilitate routing of packetized data also can be
generated. To that end, in an aspect, PS gateway node(s) 818 can
comprise a tunnel interface (e.g., tunnel termination gateway (TTG)
in 3GPP UMTS network(s) (not shown)) which can facilitate
packetized communication with disparate wireless network(s), such
as Wi-Fi networks.
[0081] In embodiment 800, mobile network platform 810 also
comprises serving node(s) 816 that, based upon available radio
technology layer(s) within technology resource(s) in the radio
access network 820, convey the various packetized flows of data
streams received through PS gateway node(s) 818. It is to be noted
that for technology resource(s) that rely primarily on CS
communication, server node(s) can deliver traffic without reliance
on PS gateway node(s) 818; for example, server node(s) can embody
at least in part a mobile switching center. As an example, in a
3GPP UMTS network, serving node(s) 816 can be embodied in serving
GPRS support node(s) (SGSN).
[0082] For radio technologies that exploit packetized
communication, server(s) 814 in mobile network platform 810 can
execute numerous applications that can generate multiple disparate
packetized data streams or flows, and manage (e.g., schedule,
queue, format . . . ) such flows. Such application(s) can comprise
add-on features to standard services (for example, provisioning,
billing, customer support . . . ) provided by mobile network
platform 810. Data streams (e.g., content(s) that are part of a
voice call or data session) can be conveyed to PS gateway node(s)
818 for authorization/authentication and initiation of a data
session, and to serving node(s) 816 for communication thereafter.
In addition to application server, server(s) 814 can comprise
utility server(s), a utility server can comprise a provisioning
server, an operations and maintenance server, a security server
that can implement at least in part a certificate authority and
firewalls as well as other security mechanisms, and the like. In an
aspect, security server(s) secure communication served through
mobile network platform 810 to ensure network's operation and data
integrity in addition to authorization and authentication
procedures that CS gateway node(s) 812 and PS gateway node(s) 818
can enact. Moreover, provisioning server(s) can provision services
from external network(s) like networks operated by a disparate
service provider; for instance, WAN 850 or Global Positioning
System (GPS) network(s) (not shown). Provisioning server(s) can
also provision coverage through networks associated to mobile
network platform 810 (e.g., deployed and operated by the same
service provider), such as the distributed antennas networks shown
in FIG. 1(s) that enhance wireless service coverage by providing
more network coverage.
[0083] It is to be noted that server(s) 814 can comprise one or
more processors configured to confer at least in part the
functionality of mobile network platform 810. To that end, the one
or more processor can execute code instructions stored in memory
830, for example. It is should be appreciated that server(s) 814
can comprise a content manager, which operates in substantially the
same manner as described hereinbefore.
[0084] In example embodiment 800, memory 830 can store information
related to operation of mobile network platform 810. Other
operational information can comprise provisioning information of
mobile devices served through mobile network platform 810,
subscriber databases; application intelligence, pricing schemes,
e.g., promotional rates, flat-rate programs, couponing campaigns;
technical specification(s) consistent with telecommunication
protocols for operation of disparate radio, or wireless, technology
layers; and so forth. Memory 830 can also store information from at
least one of telephony network(s) 840, WAN 850, SS7 network 860, or
enterprise network(s) 870. In an aspect, memory 830 can be, for
example, accessed as part of a data store component or as a
remotely connected memory store.
[0085] In order to provide a context for the various aspects of the
disclosed subject matter, FIG. 8, and the following discussion, are
intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitable
environment in which the various aspects of the disclosed subject
matter can be implemented. While the subject matter has been
described above in the general context of computer-executable
instructions of a computer program that runs on a computer and/or
computers, those skilled in the art will recognize that the
disclosed subject matter also can be implemented in combination
with other program modules. Generally, program modules comprise
routines, programs, components, data structures, etc. that perform
particular tasks and/or implement particular abstract data
types.
[0086] Turning now to FIG. 9, an illustrative embodiment of a
communication device 900 is shown. The communication device 900 can
serve as an illustrative embodiment of devices such as data
terminals 114, mobile devices 124, vehicle 126, display devices 144
or other client devices for communication via either communications
network 125. For example, computing device 900 can facilitate in
whole or in part sending an fpEID assignment request message to a
device vendor network, receiving an fpEID assignment confirmation
message from the device vendor network in response to the fpEID
assignment request message, identifying an assigned fpEID based on
the fpEID assignment confirmation message, and sending a service
request message to a service provider network to initiate a service
activation procedure, the service request message comprising the
assigned fpEID.
[0087] The communication device 900 can comprise a wireline and/or
wireless transceiver 902 (herein transceiver 902), a user interface
(UI) 904, a power supply 914, a location receiver 916, a motion
sensor 918, an orientation sensor 920, and a controller 906 for
managing operations thereof. The transceiver 902 can support
short-range or long-range wireless access technologies such as
Bluetooth.RTM., ZigBee.RTM., WiFi, DECT, or cellular communication
technologies, just to mention a few (Bluetooth.RTM. and ZigBee.RTM.
are trademarks registered by the Bluetooth.RTM. Special Interest
Group and the ZigBee.RTM. Alliance, respectively). Cellular
technologies can include, for example, CDMA-1.times., UMTS/HSDPA,
GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE, EV/DO, WiMAX, SDR, LTE, as well as other next
generation wireless communication technologies as they arise. The
transceiver 902 can also be adapted to support circuit-switched
wireline access technologies (such as PSTN), packet-switched
wireline access technologies (such as TCP/IP, VoIP, etc.), and
combinations thereof.
[0088] The UI 904 can include a depressible or touch-sensitive
keypad 908 with a navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a
joystick, a mouse, or a navigation disk for manipulating operations
of the communication device 900. The keypad 908 can be an integral
part of a housing assembly of the communication device 900 or an
independent device operably coupled thereto by a tethered wireline
interface (such as a USB cable) or a wireless interface supporting
for example Bluetooth.RTM.. The keypad 908 can represent a numeric
keypad commonly used by phones, and/or a QWERTY keypad with
alphanumeric keys. The UI 904 can further include a display 910
such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED
(Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable display technology
for conveying images to an end user of the communication device
900. In an embodiment where the display 910 is touch-sensitive, a
portion or all of the keypad 908 can be presented by way of the
display 910 with navigation features.
[0089] The display 910 can use touch screen technology to also
serve as a user interface for detecting user input. As a touch
screen display, the communication device 900 can be adapted to
present a user interface having graphical user interface (GUI)
elements that can be selected by a user with a touch of a finger.
The display 910 can be equipped with capacitive, resistive or other
forms of sensing technology to detect how much surface area of a
user's finger has been placed on a portion of the touch screen
display. This sensing information can be used to control the
manipulation of the GUI elements or other functions of the user
interface. The display 910 can be an integral part of the housing
assembly of the communication device 900 or an independent device
communicatively coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface
(such as a cable) or a wireless interface.
[0090] The UI 904 can also include an audio system 912 that
utilizes audio technology for conveying low volume audio (such as
audio heard in proximity of a human ear) and high volume audio
(such as speakerphone for hands free operation). The audio system
912 can further include a microphone for receiving audible signals
of an end user. The audio system 912 can also be used for voice
recognition applications. The UI 904 can further include an image
sensor 913 such as a charged coupled device (CCD) camera for
capturing still or moving images.
[0091] The power supply 914 can utilize common power management
technologies such as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply
regulation technologies, and/or charging system technologies for
supplying energy to the components of the communication device 900
to facilitate long-range or short-range portable communications.
Alternatively, or in combination, the charging system can utilize
external power sources such as DC power supplied over a physical
interface such as a USB port or other suitable tethering
technologies.
[0092] The location receiver 916 can utilize location technology
such as a global positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of
assisted GPS for identifying a location of the communication device
900 based on signals generated by a constellation of GPS
satellites, which can be used for facilitating location services
such as navigation. The motion sensor 918 can utilize motion
sensing technology such as an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or other
suitable motion sensing technology to detect motion of the
communication device 900 in three-dimensional space. The
orientation sensor 920 can utilize orientation sensing technology
such as a magnetometer to detect the orientation of the
communication device 900 (north, south, west, and east, as well as
combined orientations in degrees, minutes, or other suitable
orientation metrics).
[0093] The communication device 900 can use the transceiver 902 to
also determine a proximity to a cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth.RTM., or
other wireless access points by sensing techniques such as
utilizing a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and/or signal
time of arrival (TOA) or time of flight (TOF) measurements. The
controller 906 can utilize computing technologies such as a
microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), programmable gate
arrays, application specific integrated circuits, and/or a video
processor with associated storage memory such as Flash, ROM, RAM,
SRAM, DRAM or other storage technologies for executing computer
instructions, controlling, and processing data supplied by the
aforementioned components of the communication device 900.
[0094] Other components not shown in FIG. 9 can be used in one or
more embodiments of the subject disclosure. For instance, the
communication device 900 can include a slot for adding or removing
an identity module such as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card
or Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC). SIM or UICC cards can
be used for identifying subscriber services, executing programs,
storing subscriber data, and so on.
[0095] The terms "first," "second," "third," and so forth, as used
in the claims, unless otherwise clear by context, is for clarity
only and doesn't otherwise indicate or imply any order in time. For
instance, "a first determination," "a second determination," and "a
third determination," does not indicate or imply that the first
determination is to be made before the second determination, or
vice versa, etc.
[0096] In the subject specification, terms such as "store,"
"storage," "data store," data storage," "database," and
substantially any other information storage component relevant to
operation and functionality of a component, refer to "memory
components," or entities embodied in a "memory" or components
comprising the memory. It will be appreciated that the memory
components described herein can be either volatile memory or
nonvolatile memory, or can comprise both volatile and nonvolatile
memory, by way of illustration, and not limitation, volatile
memory, non-volatile memory, disk storage, and memory storage.
Further, nonvolatile memory can be included in read only memory
(ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM
(EPROM), electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory.
Volatile memory can comprise random access memory (RAM), which acts
as external cache memory. By way of illustration and not
limitation, RAM is available in many forms such as synchronous RAM
(SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data
rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM
(SLDRAM), and direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM). Additionally, the
disclosed memory components of systems or methods herein are
intended to comprise, without being limited to comprising, these
and any other suitable types of memory.
[0097] Moreover, it will be noted that the disclosed subject matter
can be practiced with other computer system configurations,
comprising single-processor or multiprocessor computer systems,
mini-computing devices, mainframe computers, as well as personal
computers, hand-held computing devices (e.g., PDA, phone,
smartphone, watch, tablet computers, netbook computers, etc.),
microprocessor-based or programmable consumer or industrial
electronics, and the like. The illustrated aspects can also be
practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are
performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a
communications network; however, some if not all aspects of the
subject disclosure can be practiced on stand-alone computers. In a
distributed computing environment, program modules can be located
in both local and remote memory storage devices.
[0098] In one or more embodiments, information regarding use of
services can be generated including services being accessed, media
consumption history, user preferences, and so forth. This
information can be obtained by various methods including user
input, detecting types of communications (e.g., video content vs.
audio content), analysis of content streams, sampling, and so
forth. The generating, obtaining and/or monitoring of this
information can be responsive to an authorization provided by the
user. In one or more embodiments, an analysis of data can be
subject to authorization from user(s) associated with the data,
such as an opt-in, an opt-out, acknowledgement requirements,
notifications, selective authorization based on types of data, and
so forth.
[0099] Some of the embodiments described herein can also employ
artificial intelligence (AI) to facilitate automating one or more
features described herein. The embodiments (e.g., in connection
with automatically identifying acquired cell sites that provide a
maximum value/benefit after addition to an existing communication
network) can employ various AI-based schemes for carrying out
various embodiments thereof. Moreover, the classifier can be
employed to determine a ranking or priority of each cell site of
the acquired network. A classifier is a function that maps an input
attribute vector, x=(x1, x2, x3, x4, . . . , xn), to a confidence
that the input belongs to a class, that is, f(x)=confidence
(class). Such classification can employ a probabilistic and/or
statistical-based analysis (e.g., factoring into the analysis
utilities and costs) to determine or infer an action that a user
desires to be automatically performed. A support vector machine
(SVM) is an example of a classifier that can be employed. The SVM
operates by finding a hypersurface in the space of possible inputs,
which the hypersurface attempts to split the triggering criteria
from the non-triggering events. Intuitively, this makes the
classification correct for testing data that is near, but not
identical to training data. Other directed and undirected model
classification approaches comprise, e.g., naive Bayes, Bayesian
networks, decision trees, neural networks, fuzzy logic models, and
probabilistic classification models providing different patterns of
independence can be employed. Classification as used herein also is
inclusive of statistical regression that is utilized to develop
models of priority.
[0100] As will be readily appreciated, one or more of the
embodiments can employ classifiers that are explicitly trained
(e.g., via a generic training data) as well as implicitly trained
(e.g., via observing UE behavior, operator preferences, historical
information, receiving extrinsic information). For example, SVMs
can be configured via a learning or training phase within a
classifier constructor and feature selection module. Thus, the
classifier(s) can be used to automatically learn and perform a
number of functions, including but not limited to determining
according to predetermined criteria which of the acquired cell
sites will benefit a maximum number of subscribers and/or which of
the acquired cell sites will add minimum value to the existing
communication network coverage, etc.
[0101] As used in some contexts in this application, in some
embodiments, the terms "component," "system" and the like are
intended to refer to, or comprise, a computer-related entity or an
entity related to an operational apparatus with one or more
specific functionalities, wherein the entity can be either
hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or
software in execution. As an example, a component may be, but is
not limited to being, a process running on a processor, a
processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution,
computer-executable instructions, a program, and/or a computer. By
way of illustration and not limitation, both an application running
on a server and the server can be a component. One or more
components may reside within a process and/or thread of execution
and a component may be localized on one computer and/or distributed
between two or more computers. In addition, these components can
execute from various computer readable media having various data
structures stored thereon. The components may communicate via local
and/or remote processes such as in accordance with a signal having
one or more data packets (e.g., data from one component interacting
with another component in a local system, distributed system,
and/or across a network such as the Internet with other systems via
the signal). As another example, a component can be an apparatus
with specific functionality provided by mechanical parts operated
by electric or electronic circuitry, which is operated by a
software or firmware application executed by a processor, wherein
the processor can be internal or external to the apparatus and
executes at least a part of the software or firmware application.
As yet another example, a component can be an apparatus that
provides specific functionality through electronic components
without mechanical parts, the electronic components can comprise a
processor therein to execute software or firmware that confers at
least in part the functionality of the electronic components. While
various components have been illustrated as separate components, it
will be appreciated that multiple components can be implemented as
a single component, or a single component can be implemented as
multiple components, without departing from example
embodiments.
[0102] Further, the various embodiments can be implemented as a
method, apparatus or article of manufacture using standard
programming and/or engineering techniques to produce software,
firmware, hardware or any combination thereof to control a computer
to implement the disclosed subject matter. The term "article of
manufacture" as used herein is intended to encompass a computer
program accessible from any computer-readable device or
computer-readable storage/communications media. For example,
computer readable storage media can include, but are not limited
to, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk,
magnetic strips), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digital
versatile disk (DVD)), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g.,
card, stick, key drive). Of course, those skilled in the art will
recognize many modifications can be made to this configuration
without departing from the scope or spirit of the various
embodiments.
[0103] In addition, the words "example" and "exemplary" are used
herein to mean serving as an instance or illustration. Any
embodiment or design described herein as "example" or "exemplary"
is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous
over other embodiments or designs. Rather, use of the word example
or exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion.
As used in this application, the term "or" is intended to mean an
inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or". That is, unless
specified otherwise or clear from context, "X employs A or B" is
intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That
is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then "X
employs A or B" is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances.
In addition, the articles "a" and "an" as used in this application
and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean "one
or more" unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be
directed to a singular form.
[0104] Moreover, terms such as "user equipment," "mobile station,"
"mobile," subscriber station," "access terminal," "terminal,"
"handset," "mobile device" (and/or terms representing similar
terminology) can refer to a wireless device utilized by a
subscriber or user of a wireless communication service to receive
or convey data, control, voice, video, sound, gaming or
substantially any data-stream or signaling-stream. The foregoing
terms are utilized interchangeably herein and with reference to the
related drawings.
[0105] Furthermore, the terms "user," "subscriber," "customer,"
"consumer" and the like are employed interchangeably throughout,
unless context warrants particular distinctions among the terms. It
should be appreciated that such terms can refer to human entities
or automated components supported through artificial intelligence
(e.g., a capacity to make inference based, at least, on complex
mathematical formalisms), which can provide simulated vision, sound
recognition and so forth.
[0106] As employed herein, the term "processor" can refer to
substantially any computing processing unit or device comprising,
but not limited to comprising, single-core processors;
single-processors with software multithread execution capability;
multi-core processors; multi-core processors with software
multithread execution capability; multi-core processors with
hardware multithread technology; parallel platforms; and parallel
platforms with distributed shared memory. Additionally, a processor
can refer to an integrated circuit, an application specific
integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a
field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic
controller (PLC), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a
discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components or
any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described
herein. Processors can exploit nano-scale architectures such as,
but not limited to, molecular and quantum-dot based transistors,
switches and gates, in order to optimize space usage or enhance
performance of user equipment. A processor can also be implemented
as a combination of computing processing units.
[0107] As used herein, terms such as "data storage," data storage,"
"database," and substantially any other information storage
component relevant to operation and functionality of a component,
refer to "memory components," or entities embodied in a "memory" or
components comprising the memory. It will be appreciated that the
memory components or computer-readable storage media, described
herein can be either volatile memory or nonvolatile memory or can
include both volatile and nonvolatile memory.
[0108] What has been described above includes mere examples of
various embodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe
every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for
purposes of describing these examples, but one of ordinary skill in
the art can recognize that many further combinations and
permutations of the present embodiments are possible. Accordingly,
the embodiments disclosed and/or claimed herein are intended to
embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that
fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
Furthermore, to the extent that the term "includes" is used in
either the detailed description or the claims, such term is
intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term
"comprising" as "comprising" is interpreted when employed as a
transitional word in a claim.
[0109] In addition, a flow diagram may include a "start" and/or
"continue" indication. The "start" and "continue" indications
reflect that the steps presented can optionally be incorporated in
or otherwise used in conjunction with other routines. In this
context, "start" indicates the beginning of the first step
presented and may be preceded by other activities not specifically
shown. Further, the "continue" indication reflects that the steps
presented may be performed multiple times and/or may be succeeded
by other activities not specifically shown. Further, while a flow
diagram indicates a particular ordering of steps, other orderings
are likewise possible provided that the principles of causality are
maintained.
[0110] As may also be used herein, the term(s) "operably coupled
to", "coupled to", and/or "coupling" includes direct coupling
between items and/or indirect coupling between items via one or
more intervening items. Such items and intervening items include,
but are not limited to, junctions, communication paths, components,
circuit elements, circuits, functional blocks, and/or devices. As
an example of indirect coupling, a signal conveyed from a first
item to a second item may be modified by one or more intervening
items by modifying the form, nature or format of information in a
signal, while one or more elements of the information in the signal
are nevertheless conveyed in a manner than can be recognized by the
second item. In a further example of indirect coupling, an action
in a first item can cause a reaction on the second item, as a
result of actions and/or reactions in one or more intervening
items.
[0111] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and
described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement
which achieves the same or similar purpose may be substituted for
the embodiments described or shown by the subject disclosure. The
subject disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or
variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above
embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described
herein, can be used in the subject disclosure. For instance, one or
more features from one or more embodiments can be combined with one
or more features of one or more other embodiments. In one or more
embodiments, features that are positively recited can also be
negatively recited and excluded from the embodiment with or without
replacement by another structural and/or functional feature. The
steps or functions described with respect to the embodiments of the
subject disclosure can be performed in any order. The steps or
functions described with respect to the embodiments of the subject
disclosure can be performed alone or in combination with other
steps or functions of the subject disclosure, as well as from other
embodiments or from other steps that have not been described in the
subject disclosure. Further, more than or less than all of the
features described with respect to an embodiment can also be
utilized.
* * * * *